How Can I Create More Space Internally

How can I create more space internally?

Space is one of the most valuable aspects of any property, yet so many homes and commercial buildings are full of untapped potential.

While we may be constrained by existing layouts, there are clever architectural and interior design tricks that can make a space feel bigger, brighter and more functional – without needing to extend.

“The first step is to find all the areas where we can steal a few inches. Can we raise ceiling heights right up to the structure and surface-mount lighting? Can we remove chimney breasts or reduce boxing around structural elements? Can we open up walls or use glazing to connect spaces? I love creating long views through properties to a striking focal point at the end. Finally, mirrors, lighting and colour are powerful tools that the best hotels have been using for decades.”

– Jon Beswick, Founder of Discover Architecture

If extending up, down, or out isn’t an option, here’s how to maximise the internal space you already have.

1. Open Up Hidden Spaces

Before you start major renovations, look for hidden or wasted spaces in your property. Many homes have service risers, redundant columns or boxed-in structural elements that can be reworked to reclaim valuable square footage. Fireplaces and chimneys – if they’re not in use – can be removed throughout the building to free up significant wall space. Bathrooms and toilets often have unnecessarily lowered ceilings – raising them to the original structure can create a feeling of openness. Swapping recessed lighting for surface-mounted fixtures allows you to gain valuable ceiling height. If structural changes aren’t an option, consider opening up stud walls with sliding doors or removing them entirely. Hotels often use opaque glass partitions between bathrooms and bedrooms, gaining extra inches while allowing more light into a space. Similarly, glazed walls in hallways and lobbies create openness – just ensure fire-rated glass is used where necessary.

2. Create Long Views

One of the simplest ways to make a space feel larger is by creating long sightlines through the property. A rectangular opening down a hallway leading to an outdoor space creates a striking perspective. Consider what sits at the end of a long view. A feature wall, tree, sculpture or water feature can act as a focal point and visually extend the space. Use glass doors and partitions to allow light to flow through different rooms while keeping the layout open and airy.

3. Play with Colour & Reflective Surfaces

The right colours and materials can make a room feel twice its size. Light shades, whites,and pastels help reflect light and create a more spacious feel. Using the lightest shade on the ceiling draws the eye upward, enhancing perceived height. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors are a classic hotel trick, doubling the perceived depth of a space. For a subtler look, antique or tinted mirrors work beautifully in hallways, lobbies and walk-in wardrobes.

4. Optimise Natural & Artificial Lighting

A well-lit space always feels bigger. Start by maximising natural light by increasing window size, using windows with slimmer frames or simply keeping them clean. Rooflights allow more daylight than traditional vertical windows. For artificial lighting, layered lighting creates depth and dimension. We typically design spaces with a combination of ceiling spotlights for general lighting, feature pendants for statement areas, wall lights to wash surfaces with light, up-lights to highlight architectural details and floor-standing lamps to brighten dark corners.

5. Smart Furniture Arrangement

The way you furnish a space has a huge impact on its perceived size. Multi-functional furniture like ottomans with hidden storage, sofa beds or window benches help reduce clutter. Floating furniture – such as beds, staircases, bedside tables and shelves mounted off the floor – create an airy, spacious feel. Ever wondered why show homes look so spacious? Developers use smaller-scale furniture to trick the eye. Be mindful of proportions when designing a space.

6. Open-Plan Living

Modern homes are shifting towards open-plan layouts that remove unnecessary partitions. Use sliding or pocket doors instead of hinged doors to save space. Install glass partitions (even fire-rated ones) instead of solid walls for a more open, connected feel. A common trick in renovations is to remove or widen corridors, blending them into living spaces.

7. Maximise Vertical Space

If you can’t expand outward, make use of height. Tall bookshelves and cabinets create storage without taking up floor space. Floor-to-ceiling curtains make walls appear taller. Oversized artwork draws the eye upwards and enhances vertical proportions.

8. Declutter & Create Consistency

A minimalist, well-organised space feels bigger than a cluttered one. Reducing excess items makes an instant impact. Using consistent flooring throughout different rooms (or even extending it outdoors) creates a seamless, expansive look. Avoid small, busy patterns – opt for large-scale feature walls instead of lots of small, detailed prints that can make a space feel cluttered.

Unlock Your Space with Discover Architecture

Even without adding square footage, smart design can transform how a space feels and functions. Whether it’s reclaiming wasted areas, optimising light or reconfiguring layouts, we specialise in creating spacious, beautifully designed homes within existing footprints. If you’re ready to maximise your space, get in touch today.